Starting Tuesday, St. Albert residents can roll up their sleeves to receive a free influenza vaccine, as part of Alberta Health Services’ annual immunization program. The program offers free influenza vaccines to all Albertans over six months of age.
This year, a single shot will provide protection against both seasonal influenza and H1N1.
“It just so happens that the pandemic H1N1 strain is expected to enter our community this winter and cause illness and hospitalizations and death,” explained Dr. Marcia Johnson, a medical officer with Alberta Health Services.
Influenza is a virus-caused infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs) that spreads easily from person to person through sneezing, coughing and sometimes through objects that have been sneezed or coughed upon.
The term influenza, or flu, is often mistakenly used to describe other illnesses like colds or stomach flu.
“We’re recommending that any Albertan that wants to protect themselves against the influenza season get the vaccine but we’re particularly encouraging those who are at increased risk to make sure they’re immunized,” said Johnson.
This includes anyone over the age of 65, anyone under the age of five, women who are pregnant or breast feeding, long-term care residents and anyone with a chronic medical condition.
Individuals in these groups are encouraged to get the influenza vaccine early.
Typical side effects can include redness and swelling at the injection site, while less common side effects can include headache, muscle ache or fever.
“That does not include the fact that most people don’t have any side effect,” said Johnson.
“We’re anticipating much the same picture as the normal seasonal influenza.”
In St. Albert, free influenza vaccines will be offered at the Grandin Park Plaza from Oct. 12 to Nov. 30. There will be no clinic on Nov. 11.
The clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The clinic is closed on Sunday.
